190 Tall Bearded Iris 



affected with this disease leaves begin to turn yellow 

 at their tips, brown and wither and finally die. Some- 

 times the falling of a leaf to the ground, though for 

 greatest part still green and fresh looking, is the 

 first thing that the casual observer notices as an 

 indication that there is anything wrong with the plant. 

 As the disease progresses the rhizome becomes a 

 rotten, slimy mass which has an exceedingly offensive 

 smell. 



For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds; 

 Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds. 



Shakespeare: Sonnett XCIV . 



The disease is usually at its worst after the spring 

 rains (especially if there are many days of cloudy 

 weather), about the time of the Iris' blooming season. 

 It may abate during the hot, dry months of summer, 

 and grow worse after the fall rains. An abnormally 

 rainy season with little sunshine is especially favorable 

 for it. The explanation of this is that though bacteria 

 may be present in the soil during the whole season, 

 they require moisture for their development. 



So corn in field, and in the garden flowers 

 Revive, and raise themselves with moderate showers, 

 But overcharged with never ceasing rain, 

 Become too moist. 



Waller: Instructions to a Painter. 



